Process for forming metallic tubes



E. WARNER.

PROCESS FOR FORMING METALLIC TUBES.

APPLICATION FILED JUNE 26. 1917.

1,378,639. ate ed May 17, 1921.

2 SHEETS-SHEET 1.

' I, HHHFIJ 7 WARNER.-

PROCESS FOR FORMING METALLIC TUBES.

APPLICATION FILED JUNE 26, I917.

Patented May 17, 1921.

2 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

UNITED STATES- PATENT OFFICE.

EMILL WARNER, OF CHICAGO, ILLINOIS.

PROCESS FOR FORMING METALLIC TUBES.

Specification 6r Letters Patent.

Patented May 1'7, 1921.

Application fi1ed June 26, 1917. Serial No. 176,956.

new and useful Process for Forming Metallic Tubes, of which the following is a specification.

My invention relates to a method for forming a tube out of a solid piece of metal, and has for its object the production of a method whereby metallic tubes, particularly those of comparatively great weight, ma

be readily, easily and accurately forme Other objects will appear hereinafter.

The invention consists in the combinations and arrangements of parts hereinafter de-- scribed and claimed.

The invention will be best understood by reference to the accompanying drawings forming a part of this specification, and in which,

Figure 1 is a perspective view illustrating the method embodying the invention,

Fig. 2, a side elevation of the mandrel employed in the invention, portions of the same being broken away,

Fig. 3, a section taken on line 3--3 of Fig. 2,

Fig. 4, a perspective view of the solid block of metal from which the tube is formed in the employment of the method,

Fig. 5, a view similar to Fig. 4 showing an advanced step in carrying out the method,

Fig. 6, a perspective view of a tube formed through employment of the invention, and

Fig. 7, a central section of a flanged tube such as may be formed through the use of the method.

In carrying out the process, a solid block 10 of metal, preferably rectangular in form, is employed, said block being of suiiicient size, that is, the same containing metal of the same quantity or a little more than that of the finished tube which it is desired to make. The block 10 is first heated to a cherry red, and in each end thereof is placed a centrally positioned center punch mark 11. With the marks 11 as guides, a central passage is formed through the block through the employment of a properly formed tool 12 which is driven half-way through the block from each end, as seen in Fig. 5. A

ower driven trip hammer 13 is employed In this operation, the block being placed a and 6.

-horizontally on the trip hammer table 14 and pounded by means of the element 15 into cylindrical form, as clearly seen in Figs. 1

In this pounding operation, the mandrel is rotatably and longitudinally shifted, this treatment being resorted to until the tube is of the desired thickness, it being clear that in the pounding of the'tube the thickness thereof will be reduced and the length increased. By skilful manipulation of the mandrel by the operator, the tube may be readily and quickly formed into perfect' cylindrical form and of any size desired. The finished tube is designated 10.

The mandrel issupported intermediate its ends by means of a supporting element 17 in the form of a chain or cable whichpasses around a channel pulley 18 provided upon the mandrel. At the rearward end of the mandrel is provided a counter-balance weight 19, the arrangement being such that the mandrel will be practically balanced in the supporting element 17 relieving the operator of any work in supporting the same, the work of the operator being only that of properly shifting the tool to pro erly present the work to the action of t e trip hammer. Such manipulation of the mandrel is readily effected through enga ement with handles 20 which are rovi ed adjacent the point of support of t e mandrel.

To facilitate withdrawal of the mandrel from the finished tube, the former is formed at the forward end thereof with a central.

the same into the opening through the block at the commencement of the operation.

With this method and apparatus, a tube having practically any interior form,such as circular, square, hexagonal or tapering, may be formed, the form desired being roduced by simply providing a mandre of the form desired, it being clear that the interior form of the tube will be governed by that of the mandrel. Also with this process, flanges, as seen at 23, may be formed upon the tube produced, as seen in Fig. 7, by simply avoiding to strike the work at the places where it is desired to form the flanges, it being clear that by omitting to strike circumferential portions of the work, circumferential flanges will be produced at these points. a

While I have illustrated and described the preferred method for carrying my invention into effect, this is capable of variation and modification without departing from the'spirit of the invention.

Having described my invention what I 'claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

The method of forging a metallic tube from a heated piece of metal having an opening therethrough, which consists invinserting a mandrel into said openin then pounding the sides of the piece 0% metal while positioned on said mandrel; and manually, longitudinally and rotatively shifting said piece of metal during the pounding thereof, substantially as described.

In testimony whereof I have signed my name to this specification in the presence of two subscribing witnesses.

EMILL WARNER.

Witnesses:

JOSHUA R. H. Po'rrs, HELEN F. LILLrs. 

